Three weeks ago we visited with a number of industry editors at a media conference in Los Angeles. It’s always a very special time. As a writer myself I’ve always enjoyed learning about the career paths various editors and publishers in our industry have followed.

Years ago I remember a letter from a 13-year-old to the editor of a snowmobile magazine asking how he could become editor someday. The editor said, “Go to school, learn all you can and wait for one of us to die.” I cut that exchange out and put it on my office wall.

There’s a saying that goes, “When the pupil is ready, the teacher will appear.” Similarly, opportunities come to those who prepare. This is certainly borne out by the example of Evan Perkins, editor of Super Chevy magazine.

How did you choose writing as a career?

Evan Perkins: I’ve always enjoyed reading and writing, and at about 16 years old, that love transitioned to car magazines – I had stacks. Ford books, Chevy books, engine books; if it was on the supermarket shelf, I read it. I really grew to admire guys like Jeff Smith and Steve Dulcich who were so knowledgable about cars and horsepower. Wanting to do exactly what those guys did for a living, I majored in communications in college with an emphasis in journalism. I then wrote for the school newspaper sneaking in any car-related content anywhere I could. Toward the middle of college, I met John McGann from Car Craft at an autocross event I was helping run. It was his help that really allowed me to break into the industry. Until that point, I had sent countless emails, made endless phone calls and tried so hard to reach out to every car magazine under the sun, but John was the first person to take the time to really offer a hand, and I consider him a friend to this day.

Where did you grow up? Were you into cars when you were a kid?

Evan: I grew up in Chino Hills, Calif. I really wasn’t into cars until I was about 15 and a half, then it hit me like a freight train. I think as the possibility of owning/driving one became a reality, it opened up a whole world of interest. I bought my first project car in the summer right after high school and that effectively sealed my fate as a gearhead.

At that time what was your favorite car and why?

Evan: To be honest, I don’t have a favorite car. I have a lot – and I mean a lot – of cars I like, but I don’t think I have ever really been able to pinpoint a favorite. There are just too many cool cars out there, and I honestly find some redeeming quality in everything on the road. The list of cars I’ve owned is long and eclectic, and I’m certain that over the years to come that trend will only continue.

Can you tell our readers what Super Chevy magazine is about and why it’s different from other Chevy mags?

Anyone that has been around the car hobby, specifically on the Chevrolet side of things, knows just how much is happening at any given time. All of that content simply can’t be fit into 50 edited pages once a month. Nick Licata, the editor of Chevy High Performance, and I do a great job of covering different aspects of the all-Chevy spectrum, with Super Chevy fielding more of the high-end showcar scene and Chevy High tackling more of the performance side of our brand.